The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announces that 12 portable Dynamic Messaging Signs (DMS) and 3 portable Closed Circuit Television Systems (CCTV) will be installed and activated on or near Interstates 95 and 276 and the New Jersey Turnpike as part of the Commission’s multi-million project to connect the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) with Interstate 95.

The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) contract - funded entirely by toll revenues without any tax dollars - was recently awarded to Beth’s Barricades of York, Pa. to provide a real time travel advisory system as part of the five-year, Stage 1 construction of the PA Turnpike/Interstate 95 Project.

With construction on the mainline toll plaza (east of the Bensalem Interchange) and Delaware River Bridge Open Road Tolling (ORT) facility, and associated roadway widening already underway, the addition of the portable technology will provide real time traffic information to motorists approaching and riding through the current work zone and allow the contractor to recalibrate and move the devices where they are needed for the duration of Stage 1 construction.

The portable message signs will be strategically located on the Pa. Turnpike between milepost 341, three-miles east of Ft. Washington (Exit #339) and milepost 355, four-miles west of the Delaware River Bridge Toll Plaza (Exit #359).

On local roads, the portable signs will be located in the general vicinity of the permanent DMS and CCTV’s devices on State Route 132 (Street Road), US 1 (Lincoln Highway) and US 13 (Bristol Pike) and on the New Jersey Turnpike-PA extension at milepost P.09 eastbound and westbound approaching exit #130.

Using traffic flow sensors, digital devices can anticipate travel times and plan for alternate routes depending upon the conditions at the time, providing motorists with the necessary information to make informed travel decisions and avoid or minimize delays.

Travel conditions and other travel related messages concerning incidents and delays will be displayed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However higher priority messages will be displayed in the event of a major incident, hazardous weather conditions, AMBER alerts or other emergencies on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike.

Advanced notification of major work activities impacting traffic on Interstates 276 and 95, will be provided via regional media, variable message signs, and postings on the Turnpike website at www.paturnpikei95.com. Motorists are advised to be prepared for bi-directional and intermittent lane closures and reduced speeds of 40/55 mph when traveling within the project limits between Willow Grove and the Delaware River Toll Plaza during construction.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and providing exceptional customer service. Visit the PA Turnpike website at www.paturnpike.com for project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976 TRIP (866.976.8747).